625 ILCS 5/11-501

I got a DUI and it is my third offense. What are the penalties in Illinois?

January 5, 2022
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NOTE: This article was updated to changes to Illinois DUI laws under the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act (Illinois House Bill 1438). After January 1, 2020, in-state residents and visitors are allowed to purchase and use cannabis recreationally. But they must refrain from operating a motor vehicle while impaired by cannabis. Or they can face […]

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What are the penalties for a second DUI offense in Illinois?

August 23, 2021
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A second offense for DUI in Illinois results in serious penalties including driver’s license revocation, jail for transportation a minor child, and felony charges for certain conditions.

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What will the sentence be for an Illinois DUI that is reduced to reckless driving?

May 11, 2020
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NOTE: The following content was refreshed to demonstrate 2020 changes to Illinois law with passage of Public Act 101-027. On the first day of the year, this Act officially legalized the use and possession of marijuana for recreational use and updated intoxication standards accordingly. Defendants who are charged with driving under the influence (DUI) under […]

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Criminal conviction can result in deportation, even for permanent residents

July 1, 2013
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NOTE: This page was refreshed to explain changes to Illinois law under the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act. When this Act became state law on January 1, 2020, Illinois officially legalized the recreational possession and use of cannabis as well as modified numerous cannabis-related crimes. The impact of a criminal conviction can be long-lasting and […]

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What are the penalties for a first-time DUI in Illinois?

March 6, 2010
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When a person is arrested for DUI, the police officer will provide him with a Uniform Traffic Ticket. The ticket is written by hand and specifies the section(s) of the DUI statute the defendant is accused of violating. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is set forth in 625 ILCS 5/11-501. There may […]

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Can I get court supervision for a first-time DUI if I have a prior reckless driving charge on my record?

February 3, 2010
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If a driver has a prior reckless driving charge on his record (also called a driver’s abstract), then he is not eligible for supervision on his first Illinois DUI offense.

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